Preparation H (phenylephrine HCl/pramoxine HCl/glycerin/white petrolatum)

For self-medication for the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with lip or skin irritations in adults and children 2 years of age and older, pramoxine hydrochloride 1% gel, lotion, ointment, or solution is applied topically to the affected area up to 3 or 4 times daily. For use in children younger than 2 years of age, a pediatrician should be consulted.

For self-medication for the temporary relief of pain, soreness, burning, itching, or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or other anorectal disorders in adults and children 12 years of age and older, pramoxine hydrochloride 1% aerosol foam, cream, ointment, or pledget is applied topically to the affected area up to 4 or 5 times daily or after each bowel movement. The manufacturers state that this dosage should not be exceeded unless directed by a clinician. For use in children younger than 12 years of age, a clinician should be consulted.

For self-medication for the management of anogenital pruritus, pramoxine hydrochloride 1% pledget is applied to the external vaginal area up to 3-4 times daily. For use in children younger than 12 years of age, a clinician should be consulted.

To produce decongestion of the conjunctiva, 1 or 2 drops of a 0.12-0.25% ophthalmic solution of phenylephrine hydrochloride may be applied topically to the conjunctiva every 3-4 hours (up to 4 times daily for self-medication) as needed. Vasoconstriction for diagnosis of ocular congestion or to improve visualization of ocular blood vessels in sickle-cell disease may be achieved by application of 1 or 2 drops of a 2.5% solution. In the ''blanching test'', congestion probably is caused by conjunctivitis rather than iridocyclitis if the drug produces perilimbal blanching in the congested eye. A 2.5 or 10% solution of the drug may also be administered prior to surgery to produce mydriasis and aid in controlling hemorrhage. (See Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 52:24.)

To produce nasal decongestion in adults and children 12 years of age or older, the usual dosage is 2 or 3 drops, 1-3 sprays, or 1-3 metered sprays instilled in each nostril. In cases of extreme nasal congestion in adults, a 1% solution may be used initially. To produce nasal decongestion in children 6-12 years of age, 2 or 3 drops or 1 or 2 sprays of a 0.25% solution may be instilled in each nostril. Doses of the drug as drops or spray may be repeated in 4 hours if needed. Phenylephrine nasal solutions should not be used for self-medication for longer than 3 days; if symptoms persist, the drug should be discontinued and a physician consulted. Intranasal application of phenylephrine should generally be used for no longer than 3-5 days.

For use with local anesthetics, phenylephrine hydrochloride may be used in concentrations of 1:2500 to 1:20,000.

Preparations containing pramoxine hydrochloride are applied topically. These preparations may be applied to the lip in the form of an ointment (''lip balm''); to the skin in the form of a gel, lotion, ointment, or solution; to the external vaginal area in the form of pledgets (pads); or to the external anorectal area in the form of an aerosol foam, cream, ointment, or pledgets.

The lotion containing pramoxine hydrochloride should be shaken well prior to use. The aerosol foam should be shaken well and dispersed onto a clean tissue before applying to the affected area. Pledgets should be applied gently by patting or wiping the affected area; pledgets should be used only once and then discarded.

Patients receiving pramoxine-containing preparations for the management of hemorrhoids or other anorectal disorders should be advised to cleanse the affected perianal area with mild soap and warm water and rinsing thoroughly whenever practical; the area then should be dried by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before application of the drug.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions are applied topically to the conjunctiva. Digital pressure should be applied on the lacrimal sac for 1-2 minutes following topical instillation of ophthalmic solutions to minimize drainage into the nose and throat and reduce the risk of absorption and systemic reactions. Excess solution around the eye should be removed with a tissue.

For intranasal applications, phenylephrine may be administered in solution as drops or spray. Vicks Sinex(R) (with mist spray nozzle) nasal solution is administered by nasal inhalation using a special nasal inhaler that produces metered droplet sprays. Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the dropper, inhaler, or spray. Except in young children in whom sprays are difficult to use, nasal sprays may be preferable to drops because of the lesser risk of swallowing the drug and resultant systemic absorption. Drops should be applied to the dependent (lower) nostril, with the patient in a lateral head-low position. The patient should remain in the same position for 5 minutes, then the solution should be applied to the other nostril in a similar manner. Alternatively, drops may be instilled when the patient is reclining with the head tilted back as far as possible. Sprays should be delivered or pumped (Vicks Sinex(R) metered spray) into each nostril with the patient's head erect so that excess solution is not released. The nose should be blown thoroughly 3-5 minutes later. Prior to initial use of the metered sprays, the nasal inhaler must be primed by depressing the pump firmly several times. To minimize the risk of spreading infections, droppers, inhalers, and spray dispensers should not be used by more than one person, and tips of the dispensers, inhalers, or droppers should be rinsed with hot water following use.

Phenylephrine nasal solutions also may be applied to a tampon or nasal pack for insertion into nasal passages. However, this method of application should be restricted to use in diagnostic or surgical procedures performed under medical supervision because mechanical injury may occur.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

When applied topically to the conjunctiva (especially in concentrations of 2.5% or greater), phenylephrine hydrochloride must be administered under careful supervision and in reduced dosage if used within 21 days after the patient has received a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor because potentiation of the pressor effects of phenylephrine may result. Nasal solutions containing phenylephrine must not be given to a patient receiving an MAO inhibitor. The pressor response to phenylephrine may also be potentiated if a tricyclic antidepressant is administered concomitantly.

Concomitant administration of phenylephrine with cycloplegic antimuscarinic drugs such as atropine sulfate, cyclopentolate hydrochloride, homatropine hydrobromide, or scopolamine hydrobromide produces increased mydriatic effects.

There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.

There are no severe interactions for this drug.

There are no moderate interactions for this drug.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

There are no severe contraindications for this drug.

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.

There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.

No enhanced messaging available.

No enhanced messaging available.

Women who are pregnant should consult a clinician before initiating therapy with pramoxine-containing preparations.

Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with phenylephrine. It is not known whether topically applied phenylephrine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Parenterally administered phenylephrine in late pregnancy or labor may cause fetal anoxia. (See Cautions: Pregnancy and Lactation, in Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 12:12.04.) Topically applied phenylephrine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Women who are breast-feeding should consult a clinician before initiating therapy with pramoxine-containing preparations.

Since it is not known whether phenylephrine is distributed into milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women.

No enhanced messaging available.